Some love it, others not so much - 11/20/2020

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we could no longer ignore. First, the good. Spectacular natural beauty with beaches, ocean cliffs, and redwoods. Great mountain biking, miles upon miles of great single track meandering through redwood, oak, and chaparral. Scenic hikes. I hear the surfing is great, though I don't surf. And now the bad. Crime is off the charts terrible. Property crime is even worse than the stats indicate because many have given up and no longer report it. Nothing happens, even if the perpetrator is caught, so why bother. If you park your car on the street it will eventually get broken into. Even if you don't leave anything of value in view there's a good chance your window(s) will get broken. Anything not locked or bolted down will eventually be stolen. Gets old fast. There are pockets where this is less of a problem, but these areas are the priciest. The city itself has the potential to be gorgeous, yet it's run down and grimy. Human excrement, trash, and filth on the sidewalks. Used hypodermic needles discarded on the street and in city parks. Large numbers of people camping and injecting along the river greenbelt and otherwise polluting the river. When it rains this pollution is flushed out to the bay, and the needles wash up on the beaches. Roads are generally in very poor condition. City parks are also run down, with bathrooms in particularly bad condition as homeless bathe/wash clothes in the sinks and inject in the stalls. Some neighborhood groups have lobbied to have park restrooms permanently shuttered due to the problems they attract. Traffic, especially during the summer tourist season when you most want do stuff, is atrocious. Bad. All. The. Time. Forget about parking at beaches/trailheads on weekends or holidays during the high season. Due to no-growth policies, HWY 1 is essentially the only option for East-West travel and is severely congested. There are "back roads" but these are just as congested, if not more. Need something in Aptos midweek afternoon? Forget about it! You'll be sitting in traffic for an hour. Climate is very mild, which can be good or bad depending on one's preferences. Sept-Oct are *the* best months to live in and enjoy Santa Cruz. The tourists have gone home, it's warm, and the June-gloom is gone. June-gloom is when the marine layer blankets most of the city with fog/overcast. It's cold and dreary. And it's a bit of a misnomer... June-gloom often happens during much of July and August. Yes, Santa Cruz summers are often quite chilly. Winters aren't icy, yet often very rainy. Or not, which usually means drought and water rationing and fire danger. Housing is unbelievably expensive. Unless you're wealthy/very high income, you're basically looking at cramped and/or substandard housing. We were fortunate to have purchased before housing prices got too bad, yet we could see it was extremely unlikely that our kids would ever be able to even afford rent. It's nearly impossible to make ends meet unless you're in the highest income brackets. There's essentially zero affordable housing. A few affordable units may occasionally open up, but expect hundreds of people on the waiting list. I cannot emphasize this enough: Do not move to Santa Cruz without a solid plan for how to cover housing expenses or you will end up homeless (couch surfing, living in your vehicle, camping, etc). In short, if you're wealthy and can easily afford the priciest parts of this extremely expensive city (e.g. beachfront or ocean views, gated property, garage), or if you just love the ocean and beach and redwoods so much that none of the other stuff matters, then you'll love it. However, if you're looking for a good, clean, safe, livable city then there are many better options.

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Small Town, Big City - 7/24/2020

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class jazz at Kuumbwa; then catch some great music at Moe's Alley, and the much younger crowd likes the Catalyst, some bigger acts like Sinead O'Connor will play at the Rio. Pretty cool for a town of 69,000! For example my ticket to see Patti Smith was a lot less than the San Francisco tickets and I could almost reach out and touch her. We have too many beer gardens and pubs, and too much wine, for me anyway. Also way too many bakeries (for me! they are too delicious to ignore). We have some really beautiful restaurants that are not the least bit stuffy. It's older, mature, but also hipster, but not too much hipster. Surfer families, writers, artists. I am worried about the artists, this place is getting way too expensive. Also, as San Franicso was the gay capital this was once the lesbian capital! Back in the 80s and 90s. We have a lot of strong, cool women ,cool writers and poets here. If you come you will be welcomed. But ask yourself what you will contribute? Beyond taxes and taking up space. The community wants your voice and your creativity. Did I mention the ocean and redwoods??

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Santa Cruz is my Heart Home in so many ways - 10/3/2019

I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity, creativity and very pro-local. I dreamed of the day I could live here, and finally, back in 2009 we bought our townhome, just a 10-minute walk to one of the local beaches in a neighborhood called Live Oak/ Pleasure Point. The fresh ocean air, ancient redwoods to hike through nearby, world-class surfing, huge art community. I feel so lucky to live in such a wonderful place. Let me break it down for you: Good: + Multiple Farmers Markets, Organic Produce, Farm Fresh Eggs + Foodie delight (everything from Brazillian, Italian, Mexican, Farm to Table, Japanese, Thai, and more) +Love Coffee? We have a lot of local roasters including the famous Verve Coffee. I also love Cat and Cloud and so many other places + Books: Santa Cruz Bookshop is always packed with locals - so many author events - we had Chelsea Clinton sign one of her books for us at one of their hosted events + Art? Every October there is Open Artist Studio, all over Santa Cruz you can go to the Studio spaces of local art and purchase it directly from the creator. My wife and I have purchased multiple pieces we just love for our home. Then year round there is First Friday - where a lot of shops in Downtown Santa Cruz feature local artists. + Diversity - Very GLBT Friendly, my wife and I feel right at home here - every year during Santa Cruz Pride march through downtown SC, the streets pack and it has a very hometown feel to it - local politicians, local businesses have floats, local marching bands, different religious groups, our roller derby girls, and more - a real feel good experience Downsides: Just because we are a beach down - we are nothing like the homogenized Orange County. ( I think that's a good thing though) We do have a homeless problem - it has come out some of the wealthier areas like Menlo Park were literally bussing people here (its called people dumping) intentionally. But all the homeless people I have encountered have been friendly kind and pretty harmless. One night after eating out I was carrying my leftovers to the car and a homeless person asked me "Are you emotionally attached to your leftovers?" I laughed and handed them to him. And the violence that does happen - is usually by "Visitors" to the area- and tends to only impact areas like Beach Flats, Boardwalk and Downtown when they do happen. I dearly love Santa Cruz, imperfections and all

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Stay away from Santa Cruz. - 5/29/2018

There are so many other beautiful places in California to visit - so go to those places. As a California native I lived in many places in California. I moved into Santa Cruz from Watsonville & first learned about the high crime rate after I was assaulted by a man I dated. Santa Cruz is over run by violent criminals as well as the criminals in law enforcement. Don't support this dangerous place.

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Beware of Santa Cruz - 5/29/2018

There are so many other beautiful places in California to visit - so go to those places. As a California native I lived in many places in California. I moved into Santa Cruz from Watsonville

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Santa Cruz- paradise on earth - 1/7/2016

I have spent my entire life working toward living in Santa Cruz County and in 2005 finally made it. While there are people living here and all of the commensurate social issues that accompany humanity, this is an area with a welcoming political environment, perfect climate, rich culture for a smaller area,

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Santa Cruz - 7/14/2015

I have owned a home in Soquel (right next to Santa Cruz) for 24 years and spent lots of time in SC. First, noise is JUST LIKE everywhere else. Second, if you have skills and are willing to work you will not be unemployed. Third, roads are acceptable but not great. Fourth, I have never seen a discarded needle but the party crowd and homeless crowd comes to the beach and just like SF it is not always pristine. Fifth, there is no feral cat problem. Sixth, drought is not an issue if you use a yellow/mellow, brown flush it down strategy. Seventh, affordable housing issue is real if you are not making $$. Seventh, most people who rent pay taxes on that income, the assertion is ridiculous. Eighth, crime is in fact high due to out of town partiers and local homeless/addicted population. Positives -- incredible beauty, climate, clean air, Silicon Valley 35 min. away, with a quickly vanishing older hippie population. Downtown is still funky and weird, stay away from it if you don't like it. Basic message is just stick to those areas you really dig and you will love the area. Be sure to bring skills and a desire to work.

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Santa Cruz Summary of Issues - 6/2/2015

We are from Intermountain West and wished we would have researched Sperling's info beforehand. We have never seen anything like the lack of care/concern (i.e., apathy) from city/county leaders relating to multiple problems. If we knew what we know now, we would have NOT moved here. The noise pollution is horrendous. More vehicles than not are rundown, mufflers have holes in them so VERY loud. Some think it's "cool" to turn up vehicle's audio system, noise blasting from vehicles, all hours of the day/night. Unemployment: The employment rates are higher than national average. Very strange given we are so close to Silicon Valley. Either city/county leaders don't want to attract good paying jobs or they don't care given "tourist and students" provide the most money and they don't have to work for it since both come year after year regardless. The roads within city limits is laughable. We have never seen anything like Ocean Avenue. It is literally like driving on a dirt road in the backwoods with all the cracks & mediocre patch-work repairs. Riding a beach cruiser along it was like taking our bikes up in the mountains---bumpy, vibration, all the screws needed tightened afterwards. It's unacceptable. This is one example of many roads needing repaired. Where is all our local taxes going? Contaminated beaches (3 of 10 of CA's beaches are right here in Santa Cruz County, tourist council dirty little secret). Cowell Beach, at the wharf, ranks #1 according to multiple reports. Capitola Beach, east/west of the jetty and, then Rio Del Mar beach. Go to California Coastkeeper Alliance, Beach Report Card and local news for more information. Homelessness downtown, along San Lorenzo river, along West Cliff Drive etc. is heartbreaking and scary at times when he/she confronts you asking for money. We've seen multiple times, homeless people urinate right out on the sidewalk by Trader Joe's parking lot and the movie theater on Riverfront (Regal Riverfront Stadium 2). Trash along the river (delicate ecosystem for birds and marine life), which flows right into the ocean at Cowell Beach, making the already contaminated area even more so. Illegal drugs, cigarette butts & marijuana use. Seen many used IV needles strewn along West Cliff Drive, beaches and by Seabright Beach (along East Cliff). The amount of discarded cigarette butts just thrown in/around parking areas on West Cliff Drive (which either blows right into the Pacific Ocean, affecting marine life negatively, or into private property which tobacco has been known to kill plants). Drug dealers regularly cruise along West Cliff trying to make their next deal. Pathetic. Feral cat problem (certain residents feed such all the while these "wild" animals are using others property as their personal liter box). Many complain about dog owners not picking up waste, well, the feral cat problem here in Santa Cruz is beyond belief. Cats have been known to kill MILLIONS of birds, plus urine and feces is more toxic than canine. Can you imagine a pack of dogs being allowed to roam free to use the area as they feel fit? Can you imagine? Well, that is what city/county officials have allowed feral cats to do is roam free while using private properties as he/she feels fit. Do NOT dare bring it up with the residents who believe the feral cat (even fixed then released back into the community) is a problem. Huge arguments then the "complainer" will be labeled within the neighborhood as an animal hater and blacklisted within the neighborhood. It's such a disturbing issue. Drought: The lack of concern for conservation unless fines are levied against residents. There are still people within the city/county who have thirsty lawns--it should be banned in the West. California is in its 4th year of gut-wrenching, historic drought. Multiple long-term residents even had the nerve to say, "Not that big of a deal. It's been dry before." Nope, nothing like this. We believe he/she has NEVER traveled to the Central Valley (Modesto/Bakersfield areas) where the farmers are sucking more ground water from the aquifers then being replenished to water thirsty almond and pomegranate farms (pretty much the same Big Agriculture corporations). The amount of greed at the expense of the environment is disgusting. Lack of affordable student housing. University of California, Santa Cruz last year (fall of 2014) admitted 700 more students even though the housing in/around the college is dismal. There's greedy homeowners renting 1400 square feet homes to 8-10 students, causing HUGE parking issues, partying concerns, and noise disturbances. Most of the students are renting such houses for $5000+ and on multiple occasions we have found out the homeowner was reporting such property as their "primary" residence. Reason, we believe, in an attempt to avoid paying appropriate taxes, which costs ALL of US money. City obviously doesn't care to come up with a plan that would solve such issues or track such illegal business practices. Short-term, vacation rentals, illegal rentals: City needs to come up with a plan to track such properties given it reduces such available housing to students and professions wanting to live/work in the area. All a person has to do is go on Craigslist's Housing section to see how many people are sub-leasing properties or leasing places short-term for the biggest amount of money in their pockets. It would be interesting to know if such person(s) are paying appropriate taxes on such arrangements--I highly doubt it, which again costs all of us. Then, the illegal rentals in "Tuff Shed-like" units where there's no full kitchen or leasing out closets/garages. It's going on more than anyone would like to admit. Crime and vandalism: On multiple occasions, we have been awakened to gunshots coming from the Natural Bridges area. Tagging of street signs, large dumpsters, fences and businesses. There's been multiple gang related stabbings and shootings since moving here a year ago. For such a small town, this type of violence and crime should be lower, but it reminds of inner-city statistics. Don't even get us started with Salinas & Seaside (Monterey County) 40-50 miles south of Santa Curz, it's the killing fields. Think long and hard about what type of quality of living you want compared to cost of living, including expensive food prices (we live very close to many produce farms, yet, cost of food is the same or more than 100 miles away). Sperling has the statistics that CANNOT be refuted.

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Apathy - 6/1/2015

We are from Intermountain West and wished we would have researched Sperling's info beforehand. We have never seen anything like the lack of care (apathy) from city/county leaders relating to multiple problems. If we knew what we know now, we would have NOT moved here. The noise pollution is horrendous. More vehicles than not are rundown, mufflers have holes in them so VERY loud. Some think it's "cool" to turn up vehicle's audio system, noise blasting from vehicles, all hours of the day/night. Unemployment: The employment rates are higher than national average. Very strange given we are so close to Silicon Valley. Either city/county leaders don't want to attract good paying jobs or they don't care given "tourist and students" provide the most money and they don't have to work for it since both come year after year. The roads within city limits is laughable. We have never seen anything like Ocean Avenue. It is literally like driving on a dirt road in the backwoods with all the cracks & mediocre patch-work repairs. Riding a beach cruiser along it was like taking our bikes up in the mountains---bumpy, vibration, all the screws needed tightened afterwards. It's unacceptable. This is one example of many roads needing repaired. Where is all our local taxes going? Contaminated beaches (3 of 10 of CA's beaches are right here in Santa Cruz County, tourist council dirty little secret). Cowell Beach, at the wharf, ranks #1 according to multiple reports. Capitola Beach, east/west of the jetty and, then Rio Del Mar beach. Go to California Coastkeeper Alliance, Beach Report Card and local news for more information. Homelessness downtown, along San Lorenzo river, along West Cliff Drive etc. is heartbreaking and scary at times when he/she confronts you asking for money. We've seen multiple times, homeless people urinate right out on the sidewalk by Trader Joe's parking lot and the movie theater on Riverfront (Regal Riverfront Stadium 2). Trash along the river (delicate ecosystem for birds and marine life), which flows right into the ocean at Cowell Beach, making the already contaminated area even more so. Illegal drugs, cigarette butts & marijuana use. Seen many used IV needles strewn along West Cliff Drive, beaches and by Seabright Beach (along East Cliff). The amount of discarded cigarette butts just thrown in/around parking areas on West Cliff Drive (which either blows right into the Pacific Ocean, affecting marine life negatively, or into private property which tobacco has been known to kill plants). Drug dealers regularly cruise along West Cliff trying to make their next deal. Pathetic. Feral cat problem (certain residents feed such all the while these "wild" animals are using others property as their personal liter box). Many complain about dog owners not picking up waste, well, the feral cat problem here in Santa Cruz is beyond belief. Cats have been known to kill MILLIONS of birds, plus urine and feces is more toxic than canine. Can you imagine a pack of dogs being allowed to roam free to use the area as they feel fit? Can you imagine? Well, that is what city/county officials have allowed feral cats to do is roam free while using private properties as he/she feels fit. Do NOT dare bring it up with the residents who believe the feral cat (even fixed then released back into the community) is a problem. Huge arguments then the "complainer" will be labeled within the neighborhood as an animal hater and blacklisted within the neighborhood. It's such a disturbing issue. Drought: The lack of concern for conservation unless fines are levied against residents. There are still people within the city/county who have thirsty lawns--it should be banned in the West. California is in its 4th year of gut-wrenching, historic drought. Multiple long-term residents even had the nerve to say, "Not that big of a deal. It's been dry before." Nope, nothing like this. We believe he/she has NEVER traveled to the Central Valley (Modesto/Bakersfield areas) where the farmers are sucking more ground water from the aquifers then being replenished to water thirsty almond and pomegranate farms (pretty much the same Big Agriculture corporations). The amount of greed at the expense of the environment is disgusting. Lack of affordable student housing. University of California, Santa Cruz last year (fall of 2014) admitted 700 more students even though the housing in/around the college is dismal. There's greedy homeowners renting 1400 square feet homes to 8-10 students, causing HUGE parking issues, partying concerns, and noise disturbances. Most of the students are renting such houses for $5000+ and on multiple occasions we have found out the homeowner was reporting such property as their "primary" residence. Reason, we believe, in an attempt to avoid paying appropriate taxes, which costs ALL of US money. City obviously doesn't care to come up with a plan that would solve such issues or track such illegal business practices. Short-term, vacation rentals, illegal rentals: City needs to come up with a plan to track such properties given it reduces such available housing to students and professions wanting to live/work in the area. All a person has to do is go on Craigslist's Housing section to see how many people are sub-leasing properties or leasing places short-term for the biggest amount of money in their pockets. It would be interesting to know if such person(s) are paying appropriate taxes on such arrangements--I highly doubt it, which again costs all of us. Then, the illegal rentals in "Tuff Shed-like" units where there's no full kitchen or leasing out closets/garages. It's going on more than anyone would like to admit. Crime and vandalism: On multiple occasions, we have been awakened to gunshots coming from the Natural Bridges area. Tagging of street signs, large dumpsters, fences and businesses. There's been multiple gang related stabbings and shootings since moving here a year ago. For such a small town, this type of violence and crime should be lower, but it reminds of inner-city statistics. Don't even get us started with Salinas & Seaside (Monterey County) 40-50 miles from here, it's the killing fields. Think long and hard about what type of quality of living you want compared to cost of living, including expensive food prices (we live very close to many produce farms, yet, cost of food is the same or more than 100 miles away). Sperling has the statistics that CANNOT be refuted.

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Can't get better weather - 4/2/2015

Santa Cruz is located on the central coast of California about 70 miles south of San Francisco. The weather is temperate ranging from a January low of about 50 degrees to an August high of 80. Now and then, if the wind is coming from the inland, it will get hot, as much as 100 degrees, but it's uncommon and doesn't normally last more than a day or two. Rainy season falls between Oct. 1st and the end of April. Normal rainfall is 40 to 80 inches, depending on the location. Santa Cruz county is an area of "micro climates." Mountain weather is more extreme, both in temperature and rainfall. If you're looking at this area, be sure to ask about the weather in each location within Santa Cruz county. There can be major differences, even within a few miles.

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Weather - 2/4/2015

It has the most beautiful weather every month of the year.

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Panhandlers Delight - 2/3/2015

The dilemma of under achievement is lack of internal compass? Or as some news pundants like to say is a lack of drive. Lack of opportunity but then again this is a tourist town. Underwhelmingly underrepresented by anything other than The Boardwalk. The foodservice at the new Warriors Stadium home to the D-league NBA is currently the same lack luster carnival fare you'd get during regular season of the 100 year old beach venue.. All packaged with a small town mentality that serves only those at the helm of the leading employer to the area.. Care to guess what that tastes like? The river that cuts a lovely path through the downtown is currently off limits to public use or enjoyment beyond simply gazing upon it's sparkling shore. Riding in a kayak, stand up paddle board or worse a motorized boat is strictly prohibited. There was an early spring moratorium on non use and with that water enthusiasts flocked to gain a toe in the water. A bird was flushed from the bushes by an unsuspecting paddle-boarder, and as the bird took flight was attacked mid air by a larger bird of prey. That ended the water use segment of the community enjoyment. A bird died. A moment proudly captured on a cell phone camera and shown to the world as example of mans' messing with mother nature. Privileges revoked. Options for future use pulled from public discussion. Really. I'm not making this up. One can't help but embrace the natural beauty here. The homeless and the downtown business vibe have a symbiotic relationship of some weird relationship. Downtown is avoided by many locals, and the tourists who day trip from the city seek the sun and nature, avoiding the downtown enabled except for the occasional meal. The homeless numbering somewhere around ten percentage points of the community are known to use the river discreetly as a toilet, and as a hangout lifestyle marketplace of sorts.

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Santa Cruz Area - 1/3/2015

Beautiful, liberal, college town, progressive, great weather, surfing, kayaking, hiking, walking, creative people. Good organic food, good local award winning wines. It has retianed it's small town feel. Lots of traffic because so many people who live over the hill in Silicon Valley come here looking for affordable housing and then havae to commute over Highway 17 which can be a nightmare if there is an accident or for someone who doesn't know how to drive. Probably one of the most beautiful places on earth to live but getting more expensive by the day.

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There's Good and Bad - 10/3/2013

I think my experience may be a little bit different than most people's. got lucky in that I already had a solid friend base when I moved to Santa Cruz, as well as an affordable room near the beach at my friend's apartment. While I certainly enjoyed aspects of Santa Cruz, I was very ready to leave after my 9 month temporary stay in the city. So let's start with the cons: Very rude and intolerant people: For a place that is supposedly liberal, I have never been called a "f*cking f*ggot" more times in my life than when I was walking downtown. It was appalling and there reached a point where I just didn't want to go outside anymore. The tourists: I'm not one of those anti-tourism people and perhaps it's my own fault for living on Beach Hill, but come Friday my neighborhood became a hotbed of litter, stumbling drunks, cat-callers, and just plain disrespect. If you are going to visit Santa Cruz, that's fine (I did as a teen all the time) but have some respect for the people who live there! Jobs: I got lucky in that I found a decent paying job fairly easily, though I was required to commute to our San Jose office twice a week. A lot of people commute to San Jose and it can get tiresome since there are few jobs in Santa Cruz outside of the University or healthcare. Traffic: worst traffic I have ever experienced. I think people are rude in Santa Cruz because the traffic stresses them out. Whoever planned this city most not have been entirely sober because the streets make absolutely no sense. It's hard to just get one mile in the city and don't even think about driving on a Saturday in July or during rush hour. Ok, now the pros. There are still a lot of sweet old hippie people, and I love hippies, who bring a spark to Santa Cruz. This one is just my preference and I know that not everyone likes hippies. The redwoods and the beach are right there if you want them. There are a multitude of health-food stores. There are some amazing restaurants. Gay volleyball on Wednesday evenings is wonderful. Once again, I already had a friend base when I moved there and I only lived there for a temporary job, so my experience is different than most peoples. If you do move to Santa Cruz, you must go to trivia nights and 99 Bottles, ride your bike up to Wilder Ranch State Park, go on the Giant Dipper regularly, try one of the hundreds of great coffee shops, and attend some of the fun events downtown. Santa Cruz if far from perfect and in many ways I think it is getting worse instead of better. But it's not terrible. It still has a small town feel with an interesting culture. Just prepare for the summer rush of trashy tourists. But when that happens, walk on down to the Penny Ice Creamery and have some amazing homemade ice cream.

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santa cruz is too hot - 4/21/2013

Coming from 11 years in San Francisco and one in Berkeley, the adjustment to the SC climate is not going well. It seems unreasonably warm for April (80F today). In fact, after the usual winter rains stopped, it's been nothing but sunshine and heat. Most people would likely enjoy this, but I miss layers of clothing, fog, and my four o' clock breeze.

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Beautiful Place but pricy - 7/11/2011

Santa Cruz is an amazing place to live but now that i am getting older i am coming to terms that i may not be able to afford it when i start a family. I have lived here all my life & it is truly an beautiful place. You have the best of both worlds you have trees and hiking and beautiful beaches. It is a great place to live but the cost of living is prriiccy.

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too cold? - 6/27/2011

I'm considering a move to Santa Cruz for school, but am concerned it may be too chilly of a climate for me. I like to be warm and I was surprised to see that even summer nights are 50 degrees?? Does it ever get to 80s in the summer? Thanks!

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Great Climate - 6/17/2011

You can't beat the weather in Santa Cruz, CA....almost no humidity, relatively mild winters with rain, but gorgeous spring, summer and fall. Fall is actually the best time of the year here as the weather is usually sunny and beautiful and most of the tourists have gone home. While the summers can sometimes have foggy, cool days (especially in June "June Gloom" and even into the early weeks of July) mostly it's just right.

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Forget Santa Cruz... - 5/13/2011

Other then the wonderful weather and beautiful Monterey Bay, EVERYTHING else here stinks...the natives are total underachievers, real losers, many are total druggies,alcoholics and "tweekers" AND there are SO many homeless per capita it's frightening...and that's the good news! The bad news is the educational system is horrific,turning out very uneducated students comparatively;It's extremely expensive (the 3rd highest rents in America!)it's a beach town (read:no work) AND there's absolutely NO culture per say! I've lived here almost 10 years now and curse the day I moved here.

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the good the bad and the ugly - 3/21/2009

If you are not into fast living with lose morals then santa cruz is not the place for you if you are young. i can agree with just about everyone on santa cruz. it is pricey to an extreme, there are crazy mountain bikers. politics are wacko and college kids do run ramped. but i do share a lot of political views as the liberals, i love mountain biking and the crazy politics make the town what it is. it is not what it was when my parents were young there but it is still something different and funky. it will always have a special place in my heart. the crime is kinda high but you only really hear the negative. i have never been bothered. some punk kids tried to break into my house when i was little. but before they could help them selves to the tv they realized someone was home and ran. and yeah there are very aggressive bums but you learn how to live with them. and the locals kind of are jerks. unless you are one of them. i honestly think santa cruz could be better but for some reason when ever i leave i find my self wanting to come back...

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